The Serpent Queen had a deep understanding of the dragon race. As one of the top races across all heavens and realms, the dragons were far more than they appeared on the surface. Many special dragon variants possessed extraordinary power—some could even reverse yin and yang, making them utterly terrifying. Among them, the Void Shifting Dragon was a supreme lineage, though extremely rare and difficult to produce.
Its innate ability to traverse the void single-handedly was unmatched by any cultivator across the realms.
The invitation scroll only allowed two cultivators to pass through the portal, and once Yi Tianxing and Green Emperor stepped through, the portal vanished without a trace—completely dissipating.
"Sister Snake, your child should be due soon, right? I wonder if our husband will make it back in time," Nie Xiaoqian asked with a gentle gaze.
The Serpent Queen nodded, "Yes, if all goes well, the baby should be born in the coming months."
"Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?" Nie Xiaoqian asked curiously.
"Xiaoqian, don't you know? In the womb, the fetus is enveloped by innate spiritual energy and the light of creation, making it impossible to probe with divine sense. Forcing a scan could harm the child. Besides, whether it's a boy or girl makes no difference. Our husband doesn't favor sons over daughters. As long as the child is ours, that's all that matters," Cai Yan replied with a warm smile.
...
Swish—!!
Boundless Ocean.
The scenery beneath the sea differed greatly from the land. The deep sea was home to countless races and civilizations. Now, at the ocean floor, a massive white jade shell came into view—spanning dozens of miles in diameter, crystal-clear and glowing with divine light. Like glazed crystal, it shimmered beneath the waves, casting a mesmerizing glow.
The shell was partially open, revealing a vast interior platform resembling a stronghold. A strange light barrier surrounded the shell, keeping the seawater out while allowing pure water-attribute spiritual energy to circulate freely inside.
This water spiritual energy ensured aquatic beings could breathe and live comfortably within, without feeling dehydrated or restricted. It was a sanctuary where any water race could thrive.
Inside, shrimp and crab warriors patrolled vigilantly. Each radiated formidable battle intent, clearly battle-hardened elites. Don't be fooled by their appearance—underestimating them would be a grave mistake.
A glowing teleportation platform shimmered at the shell's core, and from it emerged several figures—Yi Tianxing and Green Emperor among them.
"So this is the Dragon Palace? Why does it look like a giant shell?" Green Emperor blinked and looked around with curiosity.
"This shouldn't be the Dragon Palace itself," Yi Tianxing observed as he scanned the surroundings. Retrieving the invitation scroll, he noted that it could still be used once more—to return. Once used a second time, it would collapse entirely.
"Honored guests, please board. This is not the Dragon Palace yet, but rather a transfer site established within the sea by the Dragon Palace. This place is known as the Spirit Shell Courtyard. All banquet guests will first arrive here, after which we will escort you to the Dragon Palace," a girl in a shell-like spiritual gown approached and said respectfully.
Her demeanor was composed and graceful, her etiquette flawless.
A shell maiden! Yi Tianxing thought to himself.
Though she appeared human, Yi Tianxing's Innate Yin-Yang Eyes could easily discern her origin—she was a Shell Maiden, a member of the Shell Clan, a water race that had assumed a human form.
Shell Clan women were known for their beauty. Though their talents weren't particularly strong, they had a close and longstanding alliance with the dragon race. Many Shell Maidens entered the Dragon Palace either as handmaidens or as companions to dragons. In fact, many Dragon Queens hailed from the Shell Clan.
Given that the Shell Clan was welcoming guests here, it was evident just how seriously the Dragon Palace was taking this banquet. No mistakes would be tolerated.
"Please lead the way," Yi Tianxing said calmly, not lingering his gaze.
Under the maiden's guidance, they approached a massive blue whale that shimmered like a gem. Its back was broad and stable, forming a natural platform. Boarding it felt as steady as standing on solid ground.
As they stepped onto the whale, it gracefully began to swim. A blue aura barrier prevented seawater from entering the platform, allowing them to breathe freely and bask in the rich aquatic spiritual energy.
"What a wondrous underwater world! It truly is a breathtaking sight unlike anything on land," Yi Tianxing said, scanning the underwater panorama.
All around were glowing marine fossils and multicolored corals. The seabed wasn't dark—in fact, it radiated with surreal light.
Various aquatic creatures basked in the warm waters. Tiny fish darted among vibrant coral reefs, surrounded by curious shellfish, starfish, jellyfish, and colorful seaweeds that swayed gracefully in the current—like a living painting.
Even the seabed rocks and flora glowed with iridescent light, creating a dazzling spectacle.
"Tsk tsk, there's a forest under the sea! A true underwater forest! This emperor has never seen such a thing. Fascinating—truly worth the trip!" Green Emperor exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
Before them lay a vast marine forest.
Upon closer inspection, the area was filled with countless varieties of aquatic trees and coral jungles. These weren't just seaweed—they were tree-like plants, towering and alien in appearance. Their branches rose straight toward the surface like metal rods, devoid of leaves or veins.
Amid these otherworldly "trees," clusters of corals with vibrant blossoms bloomed like flowers in a temperate forest. The beauty was enchanting.
Strangely, these marine trees even glowed, giving off radiant light. Countless jellyfish swam among them, their shimmering glow making the forest all the more magical.
"Land has its forests—why wouldn't the sea have its jungles?" the shell maiden said with a chuckle.
Suddenly—
"@#$#$%%^$##%$^@@$#%..."
A strange and sudden song pierced the silence, entering their minds directly. It was sung in a language they didn't understand, yet the melody was inexplicably beautiful and irresistibly alluring.
A mystical power seemed to resonate within the song, triggering subconscious yearning and fascination. Yi Tianxing's very soul trembled from the influence. Green Emperor was already swaying, clearly entranced.
"Not good—it's a siren!" the shell maiden's face turned pale. She glanced quickly at Yi Tianxing, and upon seeing him unaffected, let out a subtle sigh of relief.
"The Song of the Sea Siren," Yi Tianxing muttered, his expression solemn. "Its charm power is invasive and pervasive. Without my Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower guarding my soul, I wouldn't have resisted it so easily."
Indeed, the song held a natural rhythm of enchantment, infiltrating the soul and influencing the spirit.
"They only sing during their mating period. That's how the Siren Race reproduces. All sirens are female, and their voices lure males for mating. Once the act is done, they devour the males—always. The males feel no pain, no fear—just bliss, even at the moment of death," the shell maiden explained.
The Siren Race, though stunningly beautiful, had no males. Their offspring were always female. Thus, their mating ritual was laced with deadly consequence—much like black widows.
Sleep with them, and you die. Plain and simple.
Most cultivators avoided them like the plague.
"Siren, huh? As long as they don't provoke me, I'll leave them be. This bit of charm is nothing to me," Yi Tianxing replied coolly.
The underwater world had proven far more dazzling than expected. Even the Siren Race had made an appearance. Compared to the land, this oceanic world was teeming with unimaginable wonders.
"Don't worry, Honored Guests. The Sirens dare not touch anyone bound for the Dragon Palace. We're almost there," the Shell Maiden said respectfully.